Day: November 17, 2017

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Police picked up the two fast-unto death protester at around 2pm today from Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall and set them free after a few hours.

The protest started from yesterday afternoon at the behest of Socialist Students’ Union of Manipur convenor, publicity and propaganda, N. Tanoranjan and Manipur Proletariat Peoples’ Democratic Union president, Nameirakpam Meghachandra.

The protest was to pressure the government to have Article 3 of the Indian Constitution revoked and to safeguard the territorial integrity of the state, to safeguard the indigenous people of the state and to punish the people who are misusing the PDS items as demanded earlier.

Speaking to media persons, Meghachandra said that the government was elected by the general public thinking that they will take up works for the welfare of the public in public interest but the result is fully contradicted.

He said that MPPDU and SSUM will not stop their agitation of fast-unto death protest until their demands are fulfilled.

Later, after the police set them free, they again resumed with their protest at Khwairamband Ima Keithel at around 5pm.

Police came and stopped the protest again using excessive force during which some altercations took place between the supporters of the protest and police.

SSUM and MPPDU strongly condemned the action of the police using excessive forces in tackling democratic ways of agitation.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

The sub-committee formed to draft memorandum regarding the peace talk with the Central government and the NSCN-IM has drafted the final memorandum today. This was announced at a press meet today by Deputy Chief Minister, Y. Joykumar at his office at Manipur Secretariat (North Block), Imphal Joykumar.

Joykumar is the chairman of the committee formed on October 28 after a meeting of all the political parties of the state.

The final draft of the memorandum was drafted today after a third meeting of the sub-committee that took place today, he added.

The drafted memorandum will be submitted to the Chief Minister, N. Biren within one or two days and after that all political parties meeting will take place to discuss and finalised the memorandum, continued the deputy chief minister.

Though Joykumar did not disclose the contents of the memorandum, he said all the political parties of the state will never agree to a compromise of the territorial integrity of the state.

Mentioning that proposals and suggestions made by the members of the sub-committee representing different political parties were noted in the meetings before drafting the memorandum concerning the issue, he claimed the representative of the Congress party never attended in any of the sub-committee’s meeting to give any suggestion.

The first meeting of the sub-committee took place on November 2, second meeting on November 15 and the last and final meeting was held today.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Vice chancellors play an important role in shaping universities said president Association of Indian Universities, Prof. P.B. Sharma while giving his inaugural speech as the chief guest at the east zone vice chancellors’ meet.

The two day meet was organised by the Association of Indian Universities and was held at the court hall, Vice Chancellor’s secretariat Manipur University.

Prof. Sharma while giving his chief guest speech said that Indian universities have made a major breakthrough in science and technology and other countries want to see India rise again in various field of education and researches.

In his first visit to the state, Sharma said he is struck by the beauty of the state and its heritage.

He encouraged the Manipur University to push for higher education standards in the state so as to be ahead of other parts of the country. He also said that universities should work for the betterment of the society and humanity.

Prof. Sharma also urged the vice chancellors to serve the needs of the locals.

“We need to compete with universities in other countries and to compete with them we need to be courageous and have the strength to empower ourselves and to prepare ourselves for the future. Indian universities should have collaboration and cooperation with the government to bring more development in the field of education” he said.

Giving the presidential speech Vice Chancellor Manipur University Prof. Adya Prasad Pandey said that the sun rises earlier in the state than any other states in the country so Mnipur should have the potential to do something great. He mentioned that the famous Raas Leela dance is evidence of this potential for greatness gifted to the state.

General secretary AIU Prof. Furqan Qamar while giving the overview speech said that the Association of Indian Universities is one of the premier institutions of the country working for the cause of higher education.

He explained that since its inception in 1925, AIU has been playing a vital role in shaping Indian higher education by being an integral part of all major decision making committees and commissions he said.

“AIU has been playing as a unique role in bringing about an equivalence of degrees of Indian and foreign universities research and training. AIU acts as flagship for Indian higher education,” he explained.

He mentioned that all the universities benefit out of the AIU’s contribution and at present it has a membership of about 700 universities and 11 universities from other countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Malaysia, Nepal, UAE and UK as its associate members.

The meet was attended by vice chancellors from different parts of Northeast.

During the function AIU newsletter was also released by the chief guest of the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

In an intensified campaign to pressurise the BJP government to disclose the contents of Framework Agreement, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) today staged a sit-in-protest for the sixth day at Bishnupur Bazar, Bishnupur district headquarter.

The protest was held under the theme “Disclose the contents of Framework Agreement” and was organised by Bishnupur Block Congress Committee.

Former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh giving his speech during the event said that Congress party had and will never compromise the state’s territorial boundary and integrity and urged the BJP government to also do the same.

He said during his tenure, he met many interlocutors and they said Naga’s demands were too great a risk when they don’t have any marked territorial boundary, flag and other essentials.

He also said that Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur will be affected by the demands of Greater Nagaland but the losses of the other two states are much less as compared to Manipur, which stands to lose about 70-80 per cent of its land area.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the present Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh had promised before the election that there is nothing secretive in the FA and would do all it can to settle and respect the integrity of the state, but after the election, their speeches and colours have changed, he alleged.

NPF is a political wing of NSCN-IM and BJP taking them under their wing is a promise breaker, he said.

Ibobi asked what the stands of the BJP and NPF are on the issue of fighting to safeguard the state’s territorial boundary and integrity.

On recent announcement of special packages to the hill districts, the former Chief Minister also commented that there is a thing called budget and questioned how he could declare such amounts without the consent of the central government and the RBI.

He reiterated that the Look East Policy is now converted to Act East Policy but no actions have been taken by the government so far.

Former Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, in his turn said that the public has the right and power to know the contents of Framework Agreement and have been demanding since two years back, but is not disclosed till date. He said the contents must not be good if it is kept secret even after two years of signing the agreement.

Gaikhangam also asked why actions are not taken when Biren is welcomed in the hill districts with a board saying “Welcome to Nagaland” in the state itself. He asked as to why Biren who has state power in his hands now, is he not using this power while he can.

He also asked the name of the government in the state, “it cannot be called BJP party as it is made up of 3-4 parties, it also cannot be called just coalition party, it does not even have a name”, he said.

The MLA of Sugnu constituency, K. Ranjit said that if only the BJP government consulted Congress government of the state in 2001, the incident of July 18 would have never happened. But sadly that day is remembered as one of the blackest days in the history of Manipur, he said.

He also asked the stand of NPP, LJP and even NPF in dealing with the state at this important juncture. He also said that the government should have a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) being a coalition government, but has none. He asked the government to not only speak, but also to work.  

MPCC president T.N. Haokip, Thangmeiband constituency MLA, Th. Joykishan among others also spoke during the function. The leaders of the party notified that their campaign will continue and cover the remaining 54 constituencies of the state.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister  Karam Shyam today urged the SK Oil (Superior Kerosene) dealers to lift the oil stocks. He said oil stocks have piled up in the oil depots and feared that it might lapse.

Speaking to the media persons at his office in Old Secretariat, the Minister urged the dealers to lift SK Oil till November 30, 2017 failing which the SK Oil will be made available to the retail shops through mobile sale. He also said the continuous lapses might result in the Central Government discontinuing SK Oil allocation to the State.

The Minister informed that for the month of September, October and November this year, the State received 1,456 KL (one thousand four hundred and fifty six kilo litre). In September, 708 KL (seven hundred and eight kilo litre) of SK Oil was lifted and in October, 848 KL (eight hundred and forty eight kilo litre). A total of 1,356 KL (one thousand three hundred and fifty six kilo litre) of SK Oil lapsed for the month of September and October, he added.

The State quota for November is 1,456 KL (one thousand four hundred and fifty six kilo litre) and 408 KL (four hundred and eight kilo litre) has been lifted till November 17, 2017. The Minister urged the dealers to lift the remaining SK Oil quota by the end of this month to prevent lapse. SK Oil is now available abundantly as the authorities are strictly keeping a check on adulteration, he added.

CAF & PD Minister Karam Shyam further said since the formation of the new government in March this year, all PDS items have been given to dealers/agents without fail. Speaking on the issue of LPG cylinder, the Minister said black marketing of the LPG cylinder has been under control as the authorities are daily monitoring it.

He added that the irregular supply of LPG to the public is due to pilling up of massive backlog and appealed to the public to cooperate to the State Government.

IMPHAL | Nov 17

Thousands of people turned up on the joint Hill Leaders’ Day and Meeyamgi Numit to highlight their grievances to the Chief Minister  N. Biren Singh at CM’s Secretariat today.

The Chief Minister attended to as many as 500 complaints and personally met nearly 1500 people from 8:00 am to 3:15 pm.

On the occasion, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) screened various documentaries highlighting the achievements of the new government and Chief Minister’s visit to various hill districts of the State.

Speaking to the media persons, Chief Minister said that the government is focusing on action oriented policies and programmes for the welfare of the people and State. He affirmed that the new government is right on track towards bringing development in the State. Seeking people’s support and co-operation, Chief Minister said, “I am doing my level best to serve the people of the State.”

Refuting the allegations made by the Opposition parties,he said that people are witnessing the recent progress and development in the State and what the new government is tirelessly working for its people. He stated that the new government didn’t announce any false promises to the people, everything has been put before the public. He said that since its inception, the government is maintaining complete transparency to achieve good governance in the State. He asserted that the new government is trying its best to resolve the misdeeds/issues done by the previous government. As of now, there hasn’t been a single protest/agitation against the present government by the people of the State, he added.

Stating the grievances of differently-abled persons, widows, and old-aged persons, Chief Minister said that the government is conducting assessment camps in various districts for the identification and issue of disability certificate and assessment of nature of disability for providing appropriate aids and appliances for persons with disability living in the State.

Mentioning some of the developmental projects being taken up in the State, he said that the Tamenglong-Haflong road is upgrading to National Highway, construction of Water Supply Scheme estimated cost of Rs 40 crores at Tamenglong etc.

Chief Minister further stated that the health insurance scheme for BPL families which would provide financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for medical treatment would be launched on 1st January, 2018. He mentioned that to ease the financial burden faced by widows, the application form for the Health Care Insurance Scheme for widows is being issued here today.

Mentioning about hosting the North-East Development Summit during Manipur Sangai Festival 2017, Chief Minister said that preparations are almost complete for the upcoming Sangai festival. Various National and International investors and companies are expected to participate in the North-East Development Summit to be held on 21st-22nd November, 2017, he added. He said that till now, Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have confirmed to attend the Festival. A media team from Myanmar would visit the State and interact with the media persons of the State during the festival. An exhibition football match will be played between Women football team from Mandalay and Manipur Women football team under the theme “Connecting through Sports” in the Sangai Festival, he added.

He said that he will inaugurate the Curtain Raiser of the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 at Keibul Lamjao on 19 November 2017. And the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind will formally inaugurate the Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 and North-East Development Summit on 21st November, 2017.

IMPHAL | Nov  17

Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) and Town Planning Minister  Thounaojam Shyamkumar today said the Centre has released Rs 106 crore for the Imphal Smart City Mission.

Addressing the media persons at his office chamber in New Secretariat, he said that his department targets to complete 90 percent work of the Imphal Smart City Mission within 3 months. Stating that the Chief Minister will be consulted for the work related to the Mission, he appealed for the support of the general public to make the Imphal Smart City Mission successful.

MAHUD Minister further said a year-long cleanliness drive in all the Municipal areas will begin from tomorrow in view of the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival 2017 scheduled for November 21-30. He said the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) staffs led by the Mayor will conduct cleanliness drive from early morning tomorrow in different areas of Imphal. He said similar drive will also be conducted in the areas under Municipal Council such as Moirang, Bishnupur, Kakching, Yairipok and Thoubal.

Th. Shyamkumar appealed to the shopkeepers of Imphal core zone area including Thangal Bazar, Paona Bazar, Uripok road, Kwakeithel road, Yairipok road, Keisamthong road, Singjamei road and others to keep dustbins near their respective shops. He said legal action will be taken against those shopkeepers who are found littering the surroundings.

MAHUD and Town Planning Minister said legal action will also be taken against street vendors and mobile hawkers in case found violating the instructions. He appealed to the general public to support the State Government in keeping the Imphal city and the surrounding areas clean.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL| Nov 17

As a part of Sangai festival, 3rd Sangai International Film Festival is scheduled to be held from November 25 to 29 at Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS).

The film festival is being organised jointly by MSFDS and Film Forum Manipur said the secretary MSFDS Dr. Nabachandra Singh in a press meet held at office of MSFDS today.

The organising committee decided to screen selected Manipur features and non-features films along with five feature films from abroad. This is aimed giving our young talented film makers the opportunity to learn something from these movies, said H. Nabachandra.

“We also planned to display all the old shooting equipment in vogue many years back. Apart from that ethnic food court is also going to open inside the campus of MSFDS,” he added.

Commissioner of Art and Culture M. Lakshmiskanta Singh who also spoke at the function, lamented the decline in cinemagoers, in spite the state of producing many Manipur films in a year.

“We cannot only consider film as a medium to promote culture and tradition and social issues. It is also a big industry where we can earn huge money. But unfortunately people hardly go to theatre for watching movie these days,” the commissioner said.

“The present generation in Manipur are missing the opportunity to feel the comfort of watching a movie in a proper theatre as once upon a time the case.  All of us have a great role to play in the restoration and the revival of this culture”, he added

On the inaugural day of 3rd Sangai International Film Festival, a movie directed by Samira Makhmalbaf’s “Two Legged Horse” will be screened. From the following day till November 29, four different movies will be screened in different time slots.

The programme of 3rd international film festival will also expand to other location where Sangai Festival is being conducted said well-known Manipuri film actor S. Mangoljao.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Nov 17

All Manipur Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association appealed to the government of Manipur to review its the cabinet decision and provide equal opportunity to all eligible veterinary doctors to avail of vacant government posts in the veterinary department.

Dr. Th. Chaoba Devi president AMUVDA while speaking to the media at the Manipur Press Club said that the AMUVDA held a meeting on the November 15 at Tamenglong and also held an emergency meeting on November 17 for the reinstatement of the 37 projects for the contractor veterinary officers (VOs) whose services as well as the project were terminated in the year 2003.

The AMUVDA strongly condemned the decisions of the previous government which allegedly disregarded of the rule of law, she said.

She urged the BJP led government not to follow the same decisions taken up by the previous government.

The decision if implemented will also deprive the equal opportunity rights to more than 200 aspiring veterinary doctors who have been waiting for the lifting of recruitment ban since 1998 she said.

The AMUVDA has submitted several memorandums to the previous government on this matter, she said.

She further said the association has filed a case bearing W.P. (c) No.429&W.P. (c) 520 of 2015 for the direct recruitment of the 59 vacant posts through Manipur Public Service Commissioned and not to engage or re-engage veterinary officers on contract basis after the ban is being lifted.

The High Court had given the directive to the state government for early consideration of the unemployed VOs she said.

She said that the state cabinet gave its approval to lift the direct recruitment ban of Vety. & AH dept. and fill up the 59 vacant posts of VOs directly through MPSC.

She further said that the previous government in violation of this court directive took a cabinet decision to put up only 22 posts instead of 59 posts.

The AMUVDA further filed a case against the impugned advertisement she said.

The High Court stayed the MPSC examination for the posts of 22 VOs she mentioned.

She said that a memorandum has been submitted to the Chief Minister N.Biren in this regards and the Chief Minister has assured that he would look into the matter.

Dr. Th. Chaoba Devi mentioned if the government fails to provide equal opportunity to all eligible veterinary doctors, AMUVDA will have to resort to necessary agitation and legal actions.